Selwyn Times: January 24, 2018

6 Wednesday

6 Wednesday January242018 Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi News • By Emily O’Connell WEEDONS residents are angry Selwyn district councillor Mark Alexander says dust won’t be an issue with the quarry planned for the area. Cr Alexander sent an email to Weedons Residents Association secretary Gary Doyle saying while traffic could an issue, dust wouldn’t be. Cr Alexander’s comments were reported in SelwynTimes last week, which prompted a quick response. Weedons residents Simon Moore and Stephen Bain said they were “horrified” by the councillor’s comments. “Mr Alexander has actually thwarted and obstructed the democratic process and must resign,” Mr Bain told SelwynTimes. Fulton Hogan is planning a quarry on a 170ha section of land on Dawsons, Curraghs and Jones Rds which borders Weedons and Templeton. Said Cr Alexander in his email to the Mr Doyle: “I would say based on the new Rolleston quarry’s operation, dust should not be an issue as any new consents should not allow any dust to cross the quarry’s boundaries.” Cr Alexander told SelwynTimes he was “surprised at the tone” of the responses, but understands residents are upset at the prospect of a quarry. He said the district council is always “neutral and independent” and in a resource consent process, it is like a referee in a sports match. “District council doesn’t create the rules, we have to impartially manage them,” Cr Alexander said. In the email, he suggested residents’ best way forward was to create “a new, separate, incorporated society to submit against these consent applications.” Cr Alexander also said residents could face legal costs of about $150,000 fighting the resource consent process. Mark Jimmy Chen Alexander This has angered Mr Moore. “I will not be spending $150,000 to do your job that you have been elected and paid to do. Can I suggest that you get off your chuff and represent me as I expect as a ratepayer.” Cr Alexander said he “gave his honest and independent opinion, based on his experience” with the Rolleston quarry. The Rolleston quarry opened in 2013 on a section of land between Wards, Sandy Knolls and Kerrs Rds. Cr Alexander said he would not resign. Mr Doyle said it was Cr Alexander’s “choice to make.” “I would say there’s as much chance of (Cr Alexander) resigning as a snowball lasting in hell,” he said. Cr Alexander said: “I’m the only district councillor who has offered OPENING any public advise to these residents. So in my view, I am Local News Now Alexander’s quarry comments slammed Claim about dust upsets residents FRUSTRATION: A councillor’s comments about a proposed quarry off Dawsons, Curraghs and Jones Rds has angered Weedons residents. MAINSCAPE Garden Supplies Making your great outdoors greater Come and see our range of garden and landscape supplies Quality Screened Top Soil $45 per m3 + GST Delivered Selwyn District *Min delivery 5x m 3 www.ruapunaspeedway.co.nz NIGHT THIS FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT SELWYN TIMES Fire rages, homes at risk “I would say there’s as much chance of (Cr Alexander) resigning as a snowball lasting in hell,” – Gary Doyle doing my job,” he said. Christchurch city councillor Jimmy Chen is concerned about the quarry, its health effects and whether it will devalue nearby properties. He has sent emails to Mayor Sam Broughton and Environment Canterbury chairman Steve Lowndes. Cr Chen also plans to talk to Wigram MP Megan Woods, MP Amy Adams, Mayor Lianne Dalziel and other city councillors. “Generally speaking, I’ll do my best on behalf of the Templeton residents to express their concerns regarding this issue,” Cr Chen said. District council planning manager Jesse Burgess said the council has not received a resource consent application from Fulton Hogan yet. In a letter sent to residents near the proposed quarry, Fulton Hogan said it would be there for 25-40 years. 16 th ANNUAL SPRINTCAR GOLD CUP FRIDAY 26 & SATURDAY 27 JANUARY 2017 ADULTS $20 • STUDENTS/SENIORS $15 • KIDS U/14 FREE (WITH AN ADULT) FAMILY: 2 ADULTS & UP TO 4 KIDS $40 • EFTPOS AVAILABLE GATES OPEN - 5pm • DIRT STARTS FLYING - 6.30pm Bio Blend 15mm or 20mm Waipapa Lime Chip THE BIG GUNS ARE HERE! Jamie McDonald (Auck), Colin Enthwhistle (Bay Park), Jamie Larson (Palmy North), the Wild Australian Allan Woods...Matt Leversedge returns...the local boys are ready for this! Can the Duffman defend his patch! 5-12mm or 12-20mm Springfield Lime Balclutha Pebble 1543 Springs Rd Phone 021 241 7908 EFTPOS Available www.mainscapegardensupplies.co.nz Mainscape Garden Supplies OPEN 6 DAYS Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm, Sat 8am - 3pm 30 ENTRIES 2 NIGHTS OF RED HOT ACTION DON’T MISS THIS! If wet check the Speedway Infoline 03 349 7727 or www.ruapunaspeedway.co.nz or FACEBOOK Ruapuna Speedway

SELWYN TIMES Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi Wednesday January242018 7 News Fund to help Rolleston fire families raises nearly $1700 A PUBLIC relief fund to support families affected by the Knights Rd fire in Rolleston last month has raised nearly $1700. The mayoral relief fund, established by Mayor Sam Broughton, has raised $1675 and received 34 donations. On December 23, a large scrub fire at Knights Rd, forced the evacuations of residents on Hoskyns Rd while three helicopters, 12 fire trucks, eight tankers and three rural units battled the blaze. It also destroyed two houses and badly damaged two sheds. Mr Broughton said the incident is a tragedy for the affected families. “This couldn’t have happened at a worse time – coming right before Christmas. “But we’ve been encouraged by the many offers of help from the community,” he said. Mr Broughton said the district council wants to help the community support those who have been affected, and the best way people can help right now is by cash donations. “We encourage anyone who wants to help to make a donation, no matter how big or small.” Donations can be made to the mayoral relief fund by online banking. Mr Broughton said a decision will be made in about two weeks on when the fund will close. FEROCIOUS: The Knights Rd fire destroyed two houses and badly damaged two sheds last month. But he said even after the money is passed on, if people still wish to contribute to the fund there is no time limit. •Bank details for donations are: Account name – Selwyn District Charitable Trust. Account number – 03 0767 0571327 00 Please include reference – Knights Rd fire Enjoy the Romance At Terrace Downs Resort Valentine’s Day DINNER $ 100pp Valid 14 February A glass of Sparkling Wine, 4 Course Set Menu, Live Music High Country High Tea A Finest Slice of High Country! What better way to spend an afternoon with friends or family than in the tranquil setting of Terrace Downs Resort. Available everyday 11am - 3pm $29 per person or $39 per person with a glass of bubbles Booking essential Minimum 2 people, Gluten free available. Indulge with our special package for Couples Accommodation, 2 course dinner, Breakfast. Available all of February. Make your Sunday extra special with our popular Sunday Buffet Come and enjoy a delicious menu of classic and International flavours, accompanied by live music. Every Sunday 12:30pm Adults $45pp, Kids u12 only $20 $ 490 per couple Phone 03 318 6943 Terrace Downs Resort 623 Coleridge Road, Windwhistle, Canterbury Email: info@terracedowns.co.nz www.terracedowns.co.nz